The Irresistible Henry House

A Novel

By: Lisa Grunwald

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

It is the middle of the 20th century, and in a home economics program at a prominent university, real babies are being used to teach mothering skills to young women. For a young man raised in these unlikely circumstances, finding real love and learning to trust will prove to be the work of a lifetime. In this captivating novel, bestselling author Lisa Grunwald gives us the sweeping tale of an irresistible hero and the many women who love him.

From his earliest days as a practice baby through his adult adventures in 1960s New York City, Disney's Burbank studios, and the delirious world of the Beatles London, Henry remains handsome, charming, universally adored and never entirely accessible to the many women he conquers but can never entirely trust.

Filled with unforgettable characters, settings, and action, The Irresistible Henry House portrays the cultural tumult of the mid-20th century even as it explores the inner tumult of a young man trying to transcend a damaged childhood. For it is not until Henry House comes face-to-face with the real truths of his past that he finds a chance for real love.

©2010 Lisa Grunwald (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Like T.S. Garp, Forrest Gump or Benjamin Button, Henry House, the hero of Grunwald’s imaginative take on a little known aspect of American academic life, has an unusual upbringing....Grunwald nails the era just as she ingeniously uses Henry and the women in his life to illuminate the heady rush of sexual freedom (and confusion) that signified mid-century life." (Publishers Weekly)

"Irresistible." (Kathleen Daly, Newark Star-Ledger)

"The Irresistible Henry House is a soaring, heartfelt novel that spans three decades and an entire continent. Grunwald, author of several novels including Whatever Makes You Happy, creates a wholly original and all too human character in Henry House. Despite his quirks and shortcomings (or perhaps because of them), Henry is one of the most likeable, relatable characters in recent memory." (Amy Scribner, BookPage)

3.5 Stars!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes definitely. In fact I have already told a few friends about this book. I really enjoyed it despite some flaws with the story. It is an ambitious book. The story is about Henry, an irresistible young man who is unable to attach himself to anyone because of his upbringing in a practice house (very interesting). What I didn't like about the book is that the author is always reminding you that Henry is irresistible instead of allowing the story to unfold and the character to develop and grow on you so that you can make your own emotional connection. I liked the character. He is likeable but I didn't see what was SO special or charming about him. With that said, there is more to like in this audio than not - I liked the cultural references, the practice house, the babies, the changing philosophies of how to raise babies, and the ability or lack thereof to love and be able to attach yourself to another person in an authentic way based on your experience as a baby. Plus the narrator is amazing. I want to listen to more Oliver Wyman.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

While I was hoping for a different ending, it was in its own way fitting.

Have you listened to any of Oliver Wyman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but I will. He was amazing. He brought the story to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not sure, but I think this book could make for a very good movie.

Any additional comments?

I really did like this book and think it is worth the listen. It is a slow start but once it picks up, it is hard to put down.

Well worth your time and credit

I have listened to hundreds of audiobooks in the past few years, and this is the only one I've felt compelled to write a review on. I disagree with many of the other reviews for Henry House. I felt very sympathetic towards Henry, and his apparent inability to attach himself to others based upon his upbringing. The book did have bits and pieces that were reminiscent of Forrest Gump, however, it is a much different story. I don't want to give away the details of this remarkable book. All I'd like to suggest, is that if you are even slightly interested in reading this book, take the time to read other reviews. I went to another site and found glowing reviews for Henry House. I thought this was an excellent book.

Beautifully read

Would you listen to The Irresistible Henry House again? Why?

I enjoyed the first time I listened to this book but probably won't listen to it again.

What other book might you compare The Irresistible Henry House to and why?

Cider House Rules

What about Oliver Wyman’s performance did you like?

The range of voices this reader can do is impressive.

If you could take any character from The Irresistible Henry House out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I don't know if I would like to visit with any of these quirky characters.

cross between Gump, Truman and Garp

Nothing to write about. Sounded promising but it just copied a few old time story lines.....

Very entertaining

I just finished this audiobook and I am recommending it to everyone I know! The characters are engaging and the story moves at the perfect pace.

Gripping from the first line!

I totally loved the story! The writing was entertaining tho it stretches a bit in the believability department from time to time. The character is quite likable even when he is behaving badly and he blends well with the other characters in the book. What I really disliked about the story was the ending... there wasn't one! You are listening quite contently when suddenly the story just ends! Very unsatisfactory. The book is well read and the voice is pleasing to the ear.

I'm on the fence about this book.

On the one hand, it's a somewhat interesting tale. On the other, it's about a terribly self-absorbed child who becomes an even more self-absorbed young man who I'd like to throttle. So it's a toss-up.

Loved the Narrator

I heard about this book on the best seller list, so I was excited to download it. I found it boring, but I thought the narrator was good. Maybe it's just me.

Intriguing story line, just not my cup of tea

Would you try another book from Lisa Grunwald and/or Oliver Wyman?

I got this book because it is read by Oliver Wyman.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A bit of a let down. Seems like a cop out in the end.

What does Oliver Wyman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He can actually do 7 distinctive female voices. 0o0 I finished the book because of his help

Do you think The Irresistible Henry House needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Most likely, the ending was rather unsatisfactory.

Any additional comments?

I returned this book

Thought It Was Purely Chic Lit. Wrong.

Hey, if anything, this is pure guy lit. Guys can see their complex relationships with the opposite sex in this fantastically novel novel.

Story? First rate. I will admit to losing the line a few times but that wasn't important. I wanted to dislike Henry but couldn't. The author does a brilliant job of infecting the reader with his "charm".

And what a statement on men, women, relationships, childhood! Author Grunwald hits so many notes perfectly right down to descriptions of events that anyone who lived through any part of this period will be able to see, smell, taste---you'll just know it's right.

Nothing is contrived. That is brilliant writing. Read it for that alone and you'll be enriched.

Great book.

Chris Reich,